We are all guilty of not flossing regularly thinking that brushing our teeth is enough to keep our mouth, teeth, and gums healthy. If that’s the case, why would the dental in Arlington expert always tell us to brush AND floss twice a day? That’s because regular flossing comes with a lot of benefits, we just don’t know it yet.
Wondering what this additional step in your oral healthcare routine can do for you? Here are the main benefits of flossing your teeth regularly:
Benefit #1: Preventive Measure For Gum Disease
Gingivitis is a minor form of gum disease which affects a lot of people. Common signs of gingivitis are gum inflammation which eventually leads to swelling and bleeding. People with early signs of gingivitis will often find their gums will bleed every time they floss, which discourages them from continuing.
However, flossing regularly will remove the plaque buildup that is hidden along and beneath the gum line, which is the cause of gingivitis. With regular flossing, the bleeding will go away and so will the pain, discomfort, and swelling.
Benefit #2: Helps In Controlling Diabetes
It is a shock, but it is true. Flossing does help to control glucose levels. How? Patients who do not floss regularly or at all will have an increased bacterial build up in their mouth which affects glucose levels, a major problem for diabetics. With regular flossing, especially after every meal, bacteria formation is reduced helping in keeping blood sugar levels in control.
Benefit #3: Reduces Bad Breath
Patients who struggle with chronic bad breath will do their best to use mouthwash and brush their teeth. However, those efforts are not enough. Tartar buildup is the actual cause of a strong and foul smell and it is typically hidden in between teeth and beneath the gum line, which a toothbrush cannot reach.
Flossing will remove and lessen the tartar buildup and breath will start to show improvement in odor within just a few weeks.
Benefit #4: Reduces Occurrences And Risk For Respiratory Problem
Yet another benefit of flossing that surprises many dental in Arlington patients. The mouth serves as an entry point to the body, which means it is also the fastest way for bacteria to infect us. Without regular flossing, the bacteria that are already located inside the mouth will find it easier to go inside, possibly affecting the internal organs.
Flossing will eliminate oral bacteria from entering the lungs which cause pneumonia and bronchitis.
Benefit #5: May Prevent Heart Diseases
As mentioned before, bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis which indicates the presence of bacteria. Every time the gums bleed, they allow access for bacteria to enter the bloodstream and attack the organs from the inside.
If bleeding gums occurs regularly, there is a higher chance for the patient to experience blood clots and other heart diseases. All of which may be prevented by flossing your teeth twice a day.
Yes, everything is connected when it comes to the human body. It is amazing how the simple act of flossing daily can help you combat different health problems, not just dental issues.
Dr. Hossein Ahmadian and his team at AADC provides top-quality dental in Arlington services. Want to have that perfect smile again? Contact us today!
